A Sutherland man was jailed Monday, charged with beating another man who is in a Kearney hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Sheriff's deputies responded around 5:21 p.m. on Monday to a report of a disturbance at the Ozzies apartment complex at 1014 First St. in Sutherland.

Upon arrival, deputies found an injured, unconscious man who was having trouble breathing in his motel room. A Sutherland Rescue team took the man to Great Plains Regional Medical Center, according to a sheriff's office statement. Deputies talked to several witnesses in other apartments in the same complex, as well Travis D. Louthan, 35, the man suspected of the assault.

Witnesses told investigators that Louthan and the victim were passengers, riding in a vehicle around Sutherland consuming alcohol. They began fighting, and the suspect assaulted the victim in the front seat and then went into the back seat to assault him some more.

Deputies eventually arrested Louthan and took him to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, questioned and charged with first-degree assault, the sheriff's statement said.

The victim was treated at Great Plains Regional Medical Center and later flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. His condition is likely life threatening, the sheriff said.

The investigation continues and additional charges may be added.

No bond has been set yet for Louthan, who is also a fugitive from Buffalo County.